Safe check
Thermostat settings, accessible registers and the specified filter can be reviewed without removing equipment panels.
AC failure triage
AC running but the house is still hot?
Record what you can observe safely. The tool separates basic homeowner checks, prompt professional service and shutoff/emergency signals without asking you to open equipment or handle refrigerant.
Boundaries matter
Observe safely. Do not diagnose by guesswork.
Similar symptoms can have different causes. A dirty filter, failed control, electrical fault, drainage issue and sealed-system fault cannot be distinguished reliably from a short questionnaire.
Service signal
Ice, warm air, no outdoor operation, water or abnormal cycling needs qualified measurement—not refrigerant DIY.
Shutoff signal
Smoke, burning odor, severe mechanical noise, repeated trips or water near electrical equipment require immediate caution.
Heat safety
During extreme heat, prioritize a cooled location for vulnerable household members and follow local public-health guidance.
Reviewed 12 August 2026
CoolCompare decision-support methodology. This page does not provide emergency monitoring, medical advice, an equipment diagnosis or instructions for electrical, combustion or refrigerant work. For immediate danger call 911.